M.t.a. Lyrics - Nick, Bob & John: The Final Concert - Kingston Trio

These are the times that try men's souls 

In the course of our nation's history 

The people of Boston have rallied bravely 

Whenever the rights of men have been threatened 

Today a new crisis has arisen 

The Metropolitan Transit Authority, better known as the MTA 

Is attempting to levy a burdensome tax on the population 

In the form of a subway fare increase 

Citizens, hear me out, this could happen to you 

Well, let me tell you of the story of a man named Charlie 

On a tragic and fateful day 

He put ten cents in his pocket, kissed his wife and family 

Went to ride on the MTA 

Well, did he ever return? 

No he never returned and his fate is still unlearned 

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston 

And he's the man who never returned 

Charlie handed in his dime at the Kendall Square station 

And he changed for Jamaica Plain 

When he got there the conductor told him, "One more nickel" 

Charlie couldn't get off of that train 

But did he ever return? 

No he never returned and his fate is still unlearned 

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston 

He's the man who never returned 

Now, all night long Charlie rides through the station 

Crying, "What will become of me? 

How can I afford to see my sister in Chelsea 

Or my cousin in Roxbury?" 

But did he ever return? 

No he never returned and his fate is still unlearned 

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston 

He's the man who never returned 

Charlie's wife goes down to the Sculley Square station 

Every day at quarter past two 

And through the open window she hands Charlie a sandwich 

As the train comes rumbling through 

But did he ever return? 

No he never returned and his fate is still unlearned 

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston 

He's the man who never returned 

Pick it Davey, kind of hurts my fingers 

Now, ye citizens of Boston 

Don't you think it's a scandal 

How the people have to pay and pay? 

Fight the fare increase, vote for George O'Brian 

Get poor Charlie off the MTA 

Or else he'll never return 

No he'll never return and his fate is still unlearned 

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston 

He's the man who never returned 

He's the man who never returned 

He's the man who never returned 

He's the man who never returned 

Ain't you, Charlie?